Do’s & Dont’s

Do’s:

While at you eye doctor’s office-

Do ask your eye care professional if there has been a recent breakout of EKC

Do request your doctor and staff always wear gloves when directly touching your face or eyes (for your protection as well as theirs). Notify the office staff if you are latex sensitive.

Do politely insist on a witnessed wipe down of the slit lamp and all examining equipment with a proper antiviral disinfectant solution before you sit down (Sani-wipes, Cavi-wipes, or bleach based cleaner)

Do tell your doctor if you or your family recently have had EKC

Do inquire if disposable single use droppers are available

Do request single-use patient tips for checking pressure. If not available ensure that the office submerges tips in a bleach or opticide type solution (alcohol wipes are not sufficient)

Do opt to use a tissue to gently cover your eye instead of Doctor’s occluder for the vision test

Do defer and reschedule your eye appointment if your Doctor does not have the proper equipment and/or disinfection techniques as described above

Do inquire in advance of your appointment if the office has been treating patients with severe viral conjunctivitis/EKC and cancel your appointment if their answer is yes and if your eye problem is not urgent

Do verify if your doctor uses a separate and dedicated exam room for infected eye patients called a “pink room”

Do notify your eye doctor’s office, and immediately report the incident to the local health department if you suddenly develop EKC about 3-14 days following any eye doctor appointment

While at home-

Do carry your own antiviral sanitizing wipes with you

Do wash your hands thoroughly after opening doors and touching public surfaces

Do keep items that come into contact with your eyes, like glasses or makeup, clean

Do avoid contact with anyone who has active EKC

Do avoid direct contact with anyone exposed to EKC at their eye doctor office within 7-14 days

Do remember that alcohol wipes do not kill off most viruses like EKC and that a proper disinfectant cleaning must use a hypochlorite solution (Clorox bleach like solution) or opticide

Don’ts:

While at the eye doctor’s office-

Don’t permit use of eye examination equipment unless sanitized in front of you

Don’t of assume that the eye care professionals have properly cleaned their equipment before you came in the room

Don’t agree to use the doctor’s multi-patient use glaucoma check device (tonometer)

Don’t permit use stock bottle or multi-dose office eye droppers

Don’t use the black hand held occluder device for your vision test without medical disinfection of the device

Don’t hesitate to reschedule your appointment if the medical providers are unable to use disposable products and gloves